The landscape of digital accessibility is rapidly evolving, and airports are at the forefront of this change. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently introduced a ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II, mandating that all public entities, including airports, must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards for their digital services.
So what does this all mean for airports today? Here’s the lowdown on how to put your digital content on a smooth glidepath to full and timely compliance.
Key Compliance Deadlines:
Airports serving populations of 50,000 or more need to be in full compliance by April 24, 2026, while smaller airports or those within special district governments have until April 26, 2027. While those dates may seem far in the distant future, starting the compliance journey now is not just recommended; it’s essential.
Why Compliance Matters:
Compliance with ADA Title II isn’t just about avoiding legal repercussions; it’s about opening your airport’s doors wide and embracing inclusivity as a core business value. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access your digital services is not just good practice—it’s good business. It broadens your reach, enhances public perception, and fosters a more inclusive community.
Scope of Compliance:
The new rule impacts a comprehensive range of digital services at airports that include but are not limited to:
- Websites and Web Applications: Including all forms, apps, and integrations.
- Multimedia Content: Documents, videos, and other digital media.
- Operational Systems: Everything from flight status widgets to those pesky parking reservations systems.
- Communication: Emails, newsletters, and social media content.
- Interactive Features: All virtual tours, maps, and surveys.
- Events and Audio Content: This includes audio descriptions and captions.
Additionally, compliance extends to services often overlooked:
- Vendor Contracts: Ensuring third-party services like badging systems or in-terminal digital signage are compliant.
- Kiosks and Displays: Interactive and informational kiosks must be accessible.
- Mobile Applications: Including apps for wayfinding, security alerts, or TSA wait times.
No Quick Fixes:
It’s crucial to understand that there is no autopilot option in achieving full digital accessibility. While there may be automation tools, third-party software and various companies out there offering what seems like quick, inexpensive solutions, the gold standard remains thorough manual review and remediation. This ensures that the nuanced aspects of accessibility are not overlooked.
The Path to Compliance:
Achieving full compliance is a journey that requires meticulous planning and execution. Here are just a handful of things on the checklist:
- Auditing Everything: Beginning with conducting a thorough audit of all (and we mean ALL) digital properties.
- Defining Responsibilities: Establishing who will manage and call the shots on the compliance process.
- Creating a Remediation Plan: Detailing how each non-compliant asset will be brought up to standard.
- Training: Staff at all levels will need to understand the importance and specifics of accessibility and how to get there.
- Remediation: Addressing each issue systematically, ensuring no quick fixes compromise long-term compliance.
- Testing: Regularly testing and retesting assets to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Monitoring: Compliance isn’t a one-way flight; it’s more like a frequent flyer program and requires continuous vigilance, regular reporting, and audits.
Moving Forward:
Remember, accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about making the digital skies friendly for all. For airports looking to navigate this new normal, Aviatrix Communications offers comprehensive support. Visit our compliance webpage for more information or reach out to us directly at [email protected] to discuss tailoring a compliance strategy for your airport.